The Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Prediction

All the news has been about Cyclone Alfred, but what about Cyclone Wayne? Whenever master coach Wayne Bennett departs a club, he tends to leave a trail of destruction in his wake.

Will the Dolphins suffer the same fate as many of Wayne’s former employers? Or will they find a way to batten down the hatches and thrive regardless?

What about South Sydney? Bennett deprived them of his company only a few short seasons ago and in that time they went from premiership contenders, to potential wooden spooners.

Now back in the hot seat at Redfern, minus a few superstars, does Uncle Wayne have what it takes to clean up the mess he helped make?

Let’s find out. It’s time to have a look at how both these sides will line up, as well as some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer and over/under markets. This is our Dolphins vs Rabbitohs prediction and preview.

Dolphins vs Rabbitohs Round 1 Teams

The Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Junior Tupou 20. Sean O’Sullivan 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Ray Stone 19. Josh Kerr

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Jye Gray 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Jack Wighton 4. Campbell Graham 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Tevita Tatola

Dolphins vs Rabbitohs Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Originally this was all the Dolphins on paper, and the Rabbitohs needed nothing short of a cyclone to blow the winds of fortune in their favour.

Well, what do you know? Cyclone Alfred has tipped this one on its head. Five-eighth Kodi Nikorima, prop Mark Nicholls and 18th man Kenny Bromwich have chosen to stay in Queensland with their families, meaning the Phins will be far from full strength.

Neither will the Bunnies after losing both Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray to long term injuries on the eve of the new season, however they do welcome back rep centre Campbell Graham from a long lay off in a timely boost.

The biggest change brought about by Cyclone Alfred however is the change of venue. This will now be played in the Bunnies backyard as opposed to the Dolphins, which should be just enough to tip this one into Souths’ favour.

Betting tip: South Sydney Rabbitohs.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Dolphins’ fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is always a credible threat in this market, as is his teammate Jake Averillo who has been in fine try scoring form during the trials. 

We like him the most here, but Bunnies returning big man Campbell Graham may look to end his injury nightmares with a quickfire meat pie on his return. So keep an eye on him at centre.

Betting tip: Jake Averillo.

Over/Under Prediction

Nine of South Sydney’s last 10 round 1 fixtures have gone over the total match points line set here.

That line is 42.5 points, and we’re backing it to be eclipsed once more, with names like Tabuai-Fidow, Walker, Averillo and Wighton all out and about on the hunt for meat pies.

Betting tip: Over total match points.

Dolphins vs Rabbitohs Match Details

Date: Friday, March 7, 2025.

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT.

Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.